For Nicholas Wilson, some of his fondest childhood memories are of swimming and playing with his parents at the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre.
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He learned to swim there, and is now the pool manager.
Mr Wilson urged parents to take an active role in their children’s swimming education.
“Don’t bring them to the pool and you just sit back go on social media … get off your backside and get in the water and interact with your children,” he said.
“My parents used to bring us to the pool all the time but they’d get in and be involved … now I’ve got my own kids, we’re down here, my wife’s in the water with them all the time, I get in whenever I can and the kids love it!
“Have that family time … get in the water and play with them and the kids will love it! It will be a memory for life.”
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The pool has put more than 700 children through learn-to-swim programs already this summer, with more programs scheduled throughout January and February.
The 10-lesson learn-to-swim program costs $150, including pool entry, with the option of a two-week intensive or a five-week program.
Mr Wilson chastised parents who didn’t let their children learn to swim due to the cost, or their own fears.
“Don’t petrify them … water’s really, really safe if you can swim, if you know what you’re doing and you do it safely,” he said.
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“Some people say cost is an issue … but the same people are walking around with a $45 packet of cigarettes in their pocket. It’s probably parents being more selfish than anything else, and not worrying about their kids’ future.
“We live in a hot climate … we’re a country that’s surrounded by water, let your kids swim, let your kids take advantage of the wonderful country we live in!”
He stressed the physical and mental health benefits, adding kids could be teased if they were the only one on a school excursion who couldn’t go in the water.
“Harsh but fair I think,” he said. “It’s just a life skill. Every kid should have the right to learn to swim.”
Visit www.elysiumdubbo.com.au for more information.
